Indulge in the delightful fusion of tart cranberries and zesty orange with this cranberry orange bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat, this bread offers a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of fresh orange juice and orange zest enhances the citrusy notes, while the cranberries add a refreshing tang. It's a simple yet satisfying recipe that brings a touch of sunshine to your table, no matter the season.
When preparing this recipe, you might find that fresh cranberries and orange zest are not always staples in every kitchen. Fresh or frozen cranberries can be found in the produce or frozen section of most supermarkets, especially during the fall and winter months. For the orange zest, you will need a fresh orange to grate the outer peel. Ensure you have these ingredients on hand to achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your bread.
Ingredients For Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Orange juice: Provides moisture and a citrusy flavor.
Milk: Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
Vegetable oil: Contributes to the bread's moist texture.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Cranberries: Adds a tart and fruity element to the bread.
Orange zest: Enhances the citrus flavor with aromatic oils.
Technique Tip for Perfecting This Bread
To enhance the flavor of your cranberry orange bread, consider toasting the orange zest lightly in a dry pan before adding it to the batter. This will release the essential oils and intensify the citrus aroma, giving your bread a more pronounced orange flavor. Be sure to watch closely and stir constantly to prevent burning.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content, though it may result in a denser texture.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides natural sweetness and moisture, but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to compensate for the added moisture from honey.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for every teaspoon of baking powder needed.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same amount and offers a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.
freshly squeezed orange juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it will alter the taste slightly.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking, though it may slightly change the flavor.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is solid at room temperature, which can affect the texture slightly.
large beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for a vegan egg substitute that helps bind the ingredients.
fresh or frozen, chopped cranberries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries are sweeter and less tart, so you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
grated orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest provides a similar citrus aroma and flavor, though it will alter the taste profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Bread
How to Store or Freeze This Bread
Once your cranberry orange bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain its moisture and prevents it from drying out.
For short-term storage, place the wrapped bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. The orange zest will keep it fragrant and delightful.
If you wish to extend its freshness, refrigerate the wrapped bread. It can last up to a week in the fridge, but remember to bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor.
For longer preservation, freezing is your best bet. Slice the bread before freezing, so you can easily grab a piece or two whenever the craving strikes. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Your cranberry orange bread can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delightful taste.
When you're ready to indulge, thaw the slices at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the oven. A few minutes at 350°F (175°C) should do the trick, reviving its freshly baked aroma and texture.
For an extra touch of indulgence, consider toasting the slices and spreading a bit of butter or cream cheese on top. The cranberries and orange zest will sing with every bite.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Wrap the cranberry orange bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain the bread's moist texture and enhances the orange zest aroma.
For a quick fix, slice the cranberry orange bread and pop it in the toaster. This will give the edges a delightful crispness while keeping the inside soft. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Use a microwave for a speedy option. Place a slice of the cranberry orange bread on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat it on medium power for 20-30 seconds. This method is great for when you're in a hurry but still want to enjoy the fruity flavors.
If you have a steamer, try steaming the cranberry orange bread for a few minutes. This method is unconventional but effective in keeping the bread moist and enhancing the cranberry and orange flavors. Just be careful not to over-steam, as it can become too soft.
For a gourmet twist, grill the cranberry orange bread slices on a stovetop grill pan. Lightly butter each side and grill until golden brown. This adds a lovely caramelized flavor and a bit of crunch, making it a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Essential Tools for Baking This Bread
Oven: Used for baking the cranberry orange bread at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Loaf pan: A baking pan specifically designed to shape the bread as it bakes.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Mixing bowl: Another bowl is used to mix the wet ingredients such as orange juice, milk, oil, and beaten egg.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, orange juice, and milk.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, and vegetable oil.
Whisk: Handy for beating the egg and mixing the wet ingredients together.
Spatula: Useful for folding in the cranberries and orange zest into the batter.
Grater: Used to grate the orange zest.
Toothpick: A simple tool to check if the bread is fully baked by inserting it into the center.
Wire rack: Allows the bread to cool completely after being removed from the loaf pan.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the baking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly chop cranberries using a food processor instead of doing it by hand.
Zest and juice together: Zest the orange before juicing to save time and maximize flavor.
Combine steps: Mix wet ingredients in a large measuring cup to reduce the number of dishes.
Line the pan: Use parchment paper to line the loaf pan for easy removal and less cleanup.
Batch bake: Double the recipe and freeze an extra loaf for later.
Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Orange juice freshly squeezed
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 large Egg beaten
- 1 cup Cranberries fresh or frozen, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix orange juice, milk, oil, and beaten egg.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries and orange zest.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Value
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